New owner for Bloom’s Flower Shop in Albion

Kristen Ostrander is fifth owner in business’s 85 years

Photos by Tom Rivers: Kristen Ostrander is shown today at Bloom’s Flower Shop at 139 South Main St. in Albion. She bought the business on May 10 from Debbie London, the owner for 21 years.

ALBION – One of Albion’s mainstay businesses, Bloom’s Flower Shop, has a new owner following 21 years of Debbie London leading the Bloom’s.

Kristen Ostrander closed on the sale on May 10. She is grateful and humbled to take the reins of the floral shop that has been a part of so many important moments for families, going back 85 years. (Bloom’s created the floral arrangements for Ostrander’s wedding and also at several of her family funerals.”

“Bloom’s will always have a special place in my heart,” Ostrander said today at the business, located at 139 South Main St.

Ostrander, 39, is a Kendall resident. She and her husband Jon, also 39, started investing in Albion about two years ago. They own five duplexes and a single-family residence in Albion.

Leann Coke, a floral designer at Bloom’s, works on an arrangement this morning.

Mrs. Ostrander and her husband turned to becoming landlords and real estate about two years ago, looking to become their own bosses. However, she was still working as a sales and marketing representative for a health insurance company. Her husband spotted an ad in the Lake Country Pennysaver that Bloom’s was for sale.

He thought his wife would be a good fit for the business. She is creative, for years making wreaths, crafts, welcome signs, centerpieces and boutonnieres.

She reached a deal with London and has been running the business for about two weeks now.

“Albion needs Bloom’s,” Ostrander said. “Bloom’s has been a staple here for so many years.”

She is planning to keep the business with the same friendly touch as with London. Ostrander and her husband are planning to replace the floors and paint the interior. Ostrander also has started a “Bloom’s Box” subscription service where people can get regular deliveries of flowers as often as they like, perhaps monthly or major holidays.

Ostrander takes over during a busy time with families wanting fresh flowers at graves ahead of Memorial Day. It’s also dance recital season, and next month will be proms and high school graduations. The summer will be busy with weddings and graduation parties.

Bloom’s also offers chocolates, stuffed animals, balloons, and is looking to add more gift items and candles.

Leann Coke is working as a floral designer for Ostrander at Bloom’s. She said she is having a blast.

“You touch so many lives in a floral shop,” Coke said. “You see so much love, and you can help comfort people in the sad times.”

For more on Bloom’s, click here.